British trombonist Roger Marks led one of his finest groups during 2000-2001, a period when his Armada Jazz Band was captured on no less than eight albums. The Upbeat CD Best Days has 13 of the 26 selections originally released on a pair of sets (Roll Along Prairie and High Society) released by the Raymer Sound label. The group (trumpeter John Shillito, Ken Rennison on soprano and alto, banjoist John Whitlock, electric bassist Bob Jarvis and drummer Denny Hutchinson in addition to Marks) practically defines “hot jazz” during these stirring performances. Starting with a blazing version of Lovie Austin’s “Travellin’ Blues” (which is basically “Farewell Blues”), the pianoless sextet is consistently on fire. Whether it is the rarely performed “Magnolia’s Wedding Day,” a racehorse rendition of “Limehouse Blues,” “You’re Driving Me Crazy,” and even “Under The Bamboo Tree” and Marks’ showcase on “O Sole Mio,” the solos and ensembles are exhilarating. Each of the horn players are colorful soloists with their own sounds, and the many ensembles (often one or two more than one would expect) are filled with excitement. Shillito’s two vocals add to the piece’s momentum and clarinetist Pete Allen is a welcome guest on four numbers. He may not be quite a household name but Best Days shows that Roger Marks’ recordings are well worth searching for, pa.

Roger Marks’ Armada Jazz Band • Best Days

When Jack Teagarden (1905-64) arrived in New York in 1927, he created a bit of a sensation in the jazz world. Sounding years ahead of the usual percussive style, his trombone playing had the fluency of a trumpeter while balancing his very impressive self-taught technique with a bluesy style. He was soon in great demand, working with Ben Pollack and Red Nichols among others. The music on Upbeat’s Rare And Obscure Recordings, all of which was recorded in 1930, falls into the “among others” category. With the beginning of the Depression and the popularity of radio, many of the top white jazz artists during the segregated times were enlisted to work in anonymous radio and studio orchestras. The lucrative work, while often dull, allowed the more technically skilled players a way to make it through the dark Depression years. On this CD, Teagarden is heard playing dance music with orchestras led by Ben Selvin, Sam Lanin, and, in one case (the relatively lively “Accordion Joe”), Cornell. While there are a few other jazz artists (some unidentified) in these orchestras including trumpeters Bob Effros and Manny Klein, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Adrian Rollini, Rube Bloom, Arthur Schutt, Carl Kress, and Dick McDonough, their playing is largely confined to written-out ensembles and very brief solos. The singers include Smith Ballew, Paul Smith, Artie Dunn, Irving Kaufman, Scrappy La.

Jack Teagarden • Rare And Obscure Recordings From the 1930s

Oxford, MS

The 50th Old Time Piano Playing Contest and Festival took place on Memorial Day weekend at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. Ole Miss has been its home since 2016; prior to that it was in Peoria and before that at other locations in Illinois. Also marking a 50th anniversary was its founder and emcee Ted Lemen. He perhaps is unique among festival hosts for his tenure. A number of video tributes to him were show.

The 50th Old Time Piano-Playing Contest

The 1970s were a golden era for rock and roll, birthing some of the most legendary guitar riffs and solos that continue to influence musicians today. While some guitarists from this period achieved household name status, many equally talented players remained under the radar despite their significant contributions to music. Here’s a look at 10 guitarists from the 70s who might not ring a bell but deserve recognition for their skills and creativity.

10 70s Guitarists You Might Not Remember

The Temptations, an iconic Motown group, have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music. Renowned for their smooth harmonies, intricate choreography, and timeless hits, they have captivated audiences for decades. From their formation in the early 1960s, The Temptations have produced a plethora of songs that have become classics in the realm of soul and R&B. Their music not only defined the Motown sound but also transcended it, influencing numerous artists across various genres. This article delves into the top 10 best songs by The Temptations, showcasing their evolution and the enduring appeal of their music. Each song on this list represents a milestone in their illustrious career, highlighting their versatility and the emotional depth of their performances. Whether it’s the poignant lyrics of “My Girl” or the socially conscious themes of “Ball of Confusion,” these tracks exemplify why The Temptations remain a cornerstone of American music history. Join us as we explore the greatest hits of The Temptations, celebrating the songs that continue to resonate with fans old and new, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest vocal groups of all time.

10 Best The Temptations Songs of All Time

Van Morrison has crafted a musical legacy that spans decades, marked by soulful lyricism and timeless melodies. His career is a tapestry of profound storytelling and musical innovation, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. In exploring the top 10 best Van Morrison songs of all time, we delve into a journey of poetic introspection and heartfelt emotion. From his early days with Them to his illustrious solo career, Morrison’s songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Moondance” have become anthems of love and nostalgia. Each track embodies his unique ability to blend genres, infusing elements of jazz, blues, and folk into a seamless harmony that defines his sound. Songs such as “Into the Mystic” and “Astral Weeks” showcase his spiritual depth and mystical allure, capturing listeners with their ethereal beauty. Morrison’s music is a testament to his artistic prowess, earning him acclaim as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. Join us as we celebrate the essence of Van Morrison through a compilation of his most iconic and enduring musical masterpieces.

10 Best Van Morrison Songs of All Time

Piano players are musicians who specialize in playing the piano, a versatile and widely used instrument in various genres of music. Known for their skill in playing melodies, harmonies, and rhythms simultaneously, piano players often serve as both accompanists and soloists in ensembles or as solo performers. They are admired for their technical proficiency, expressive touch, and ability to convey emotions through their playing. Famous piano players include classical virtuosos like Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, as well as jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Bill Evans. In popular music, pianists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Stevie Wonder have left an indelible mark with their distinctive styles and memorable compositions, showcasing the piano’s versatility and timeless appeal in music history.

15 Best Piano Players of All Time

Sedalia, MO

I could be the wrong person to report on a ragtime festival. My first piano hero was Teddy Wilson, so the crowd at the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, might eye me with skepticism. I heard one musician, perhaps whimsically, apologize for playing a song written in 1939.

A Subversive in Sedalia

Of the numerous Turtle Bay releases this one will especially resonate with TST readers. Not trying to be hip or current, these are men with a heartfelt dedication to the early jazz period and are substantially into careers dedicated to exploring it. Dan Levinson, reeds; Mark Shane, piano; and Kevin Dorn, drums; each have taken inspiration from their counterpart in the Benny Goodman Trio, but they have also taken inspiration from each other over the 25 years sharing a stage in this trio, and even farther back.

The Palomar Trio • The Song In Our Soul

As I write this month’s column, Anne and I are in Scotland, performing at the Kirkcudbright (pronounced “Kir-coo-bree”) Jazz Festival (pronounced “Jazz” “Fes-ti-val”). It’s a beautiful seaside town in the south of Scotland bisected by the River Dee opening up to Kirkcudbright Bay, which in turn leads out to the Solway Firth. The festival itself has four venues, two of them being in the Parish Church and the Parish Church Hall across the street. The Scots are so hip! Although neither church-affiliated venue can sell alcohol, both will provide glasses so you can BYOB! Find that in the states! While it’s a terrific weekend—great music, even better people, fantastic whisky—our seven-week tour of the UK is wrapping up. One more session on Wednesday at the prestigious Concorde Club in Eastleigh (a venue south of London presenting jazz for 60 years; the list of who hasn’t performed there is shorter than the list of who has) and we’re homeward bound.

Never Say Nix to Bix!

The 1960s was a time of electric guitars, groovy rhythms, and insightful lyrics. In the heart of this era, The Moody Blues emerged with a sound that took listeners on a trip through their minds and the universe. This band mixed rock with classical music and storytelling, giving us songs that are more than just tunes—they are emotional experiences. Let’s dive into ten songs by The Moody Blues that perfectly capture the spirit of the ’60s psychedelic era.

10 Moody Blues Songs That Epitomize the ’60s Psychedelic Era

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There are certain zodiac signs that most people are careful with because of their fiery and low tolerance levels. You can hardly mess with individuals with such signs without getting a backlash. Whether they are in work environments or family settings, they do not hesitate to set boundaries and protect them.

5 Zodiac Signs You Don't Mess With

Nashville, TN

Organ concertos are too infrequently recorded, so the announcement of a new release entitled "Organ Concertos," (Naxos Catalog Number 559936) featuring GRAMMY Award-winning organist Paul Jacobs as soloist with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, is cause for celebration. The album, part of the Naxos "American Classics" series, will be officially released August 23, 2024. It is the latest in Mr. Jacobs' many ongoing efforts to expand the symphonic literature featuring the organ.

Grammy Award-Winning Organist Paul Jacobs & Nashville Symphony to Release Organ Concertos On Naxos

Upbeat recently reissued a collection originally put out by Big Bill Bissonnette’s Jazz Crusade label that was titled Rare Cuts – Well Done, Volume 8. Featured are three classic clarinetists captured in the 1950s: Albert Nicholas, Edmond Hall, and George Lewis. Their performances are quite rewarding although this set has the caveat that two of the three sessions are not quite complete. Albert Nicholas (1900-73) was one of the great New Orleans clarinetists to emerge during the 1920s. But because he led few sessions in the U.S. and spent the second half of his life living and performing in Europe, he tends to be underrated if not totally overlooked. Five of the six recordings that he made with an orchestra led by clarinetist Andre Rewellotty (the personnel is unidentified) on Nov. 28, 1953 lead off this CD. Nicholas’ attractive tone, excellent technique and hot ideas are very much in evidence on such numbers as “Deep River,” “I’m Confessin’,” and “Sensation.” The playing of Edmond Hall (1901-67) could easily cut through a big band. Few clarinetists had as passionate a sound. Seven of the nine numbers that originated as a pair of radio broadcasts from San Francisco’s Hangover Club match Hall with the masterful stride pianist Ralph Sutton, bassist Walter Page, and drummer Charlie Lodice. Performed in 1954 shortly before Hall joined the Louis Armstrong All-Stars,

Great Jazz Great Clarinets

Drummers are essential musicians who provide rhythmic foundation and dynamics in various genres of music, from jazz and rock to classical and world music. Their role extends beyond mere timekeeping, as they contribute significantly to the overall feel and groove of a piece. In jazz, drummers like Max Roach and...

15 Best Drummers of All Time

Antonio Mazzara’s passion for music started at age 10, when he started playing a nylon-string classical guitar before moving up to a sunburst ’72 Strat and a ’68 Princeton Reverb to learn licks from favorite songs. While he never gigged, Mazzara has always loved guitars and the music of Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Michael Bloomfield, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Mark Knopfler, and others.

Classics: October 2023

Cleveland, OH

Could use some new subscribers right now, and we’re offering a free CD to every reader who orders a new print subscription or to anyone buying a gift subscription, US addresses only. This offer is good as long as supplies last. The CDs available were produced by long-time TST...

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Bobby Leecan (1897-1946) was a fine banjoist and guitarist who straddled the boundaries between jazz, blues and hokum during his relatively brief recording career. What is known about him is included in the liner notes of Guitar Maestro, a CD from the Frog label that includes many of the recorded highpoints of his career. Leecan, who recorded mostly during 1926-27 and nothing after 1932, often teamed up with harmonica player Robert Cooksey including in the South Street Trio (which also had guitarist Alfred Martin), the Dixie Jazzers Washboard Band (which includes cornetist Thomas Morris) and Leecan’s Need-More Band but he also had brief associations with a few notable greats. The 26 selections on Suitcase Breakdown, which unfortunately are not in chronological order, give one a good idea as to Leecan’s musical talents. While he is often heard in an accompanying role to Cooksey’s harmonica (including on “Mean Old Bed Bug Blues”), he consistently shows that he had strong technique and could take a colorful solo when given the chance. Bobby Leecan is heard on two numbers as a solo singer-guitarist including the earliest recording of “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out.” It was cut in 1927 and includes some little-known lyrics not used by Bessie Smith in her hit 1929 version. Leecan also accompanies vaudeville singers Elizabeth Smith & Sidney Easton and blues.

Bobby Leecan • Suitcase Breakdown

I’ll lead this by saying this is a different album from the one Scott Yanow reviews in this issue. He is quicker on the draw than me and the album he covers is a recent Mike Davis release featuring newly recorded music. This is a reissue of The New Wonders’ self-titled debut, recorded and self released in 2016. It is now seeing a distribution beyond the merch table courtesy of Turtle Bay Records. In listing off the members in his 2017 review of this album Scott Yanow says “Remember those names because each of them has the potential to be an important force in the classic jazz of the next couple of decades.” He was of course right. These guys have been involved in many groups and albums over the last eight years so this is a nice peek at where it all started. The New Wonders is led by Bixian cornetist Mike Davis and here includes Ricky Alexander on clarinet and alto, trombonist Joe McDonough, pianist Dalton Ridenhour, banjoist Jared Engel, bass saxophonist Jay Rattman, and drummer Jay Lepley. Their new release includes some of the same names but with Colin Hancock, Andy Schumm, and Josh Holcomb in the mix. The new all star line up was formed for a gig in Switzerland and featured on our cover as the New York Classic Seven, the New Wonders name is much more memorable, a nod to the brand of cornet used by Bix. There is a certain kind of jazz that attracts both an older generatio.

The New Wonders

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix in 1942, was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of popular music, known for his innovative approach to the instrument and his groundbreaking sound. Hendrix rose to fame in...

10 Best Jimi Hendrix Songs of All Time

NewsBreak

After Midnight: Ford Dabney and the Clef Club’s Lost Chapter

The story of the Clef Club and its impact on jazz has almost always been told through the lens of its most famous alum, James Reese...

After Midnight: Ford Dabney and the Clef Club’s Lost Chapter

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